Why are Textbooks So Expensive?

A review of reports, magazine and journal articles, and websites revealed the following issues related to textbook affordability:

Affordability

Textbook prices are increasing more than the price of inflation.
New textbook editions supersede older less expensive editions which can be obtained used.
Bundling drives up textbook costs (e.g., adding CDs, online tests, etc.).
Some campuses “customize” (and make profits from) textbooks requiring students to buy a book similar to but not identical to readily available non-customized textbooks and can’t be resold legally to the campus bookstore.

Faculty often have difficulty finding the price of the textbooks they’re considering assigning, and may not use cost as a consideration.
Faculty vary in their adherence to textbook adoption deadlines for the campus bookstore; delays mean that the store is less able to locate cheaper used textbooks.
Students may not get enough notice about the textbooks required for the classes, which doesn’t give them time to shop around for the cheapest editions, for example through book swap websites and online used retailers.
Faculty sometimes fail to distinguish between required and recommended textbooks.
Faculty don’t always notify the bookstore promptly if they are going to be using the same textbook next semester.

E-textbook technology is in transition; obstacles include lack of standards and common platforms, uncertain demand, viewing hardware, and regulations on use of e-textbooks.
Students and faculty are sometimes reluctant to use digital materials.